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Center for Literacy and Learning reports pilot results: 5,670 books distributed across 29 schools
Summary
Presenters told BESE their two‑year family literacy engagement pilot reached 29 schools in 15 LEAs across 10 parishes, distributed 5,670 books, held 51 events serving 2,440 adults, and reported that 68% of families had 15 or fewer children's books at home prior to intervention.
Representatives from the Center for Literacy and Learning presented outcomes from a two‑year family literacy engagement pilot that BESE funded and the Louisiana Department of Education supported.
Dijanae Clark Jackson, president of the center, said the pilot partnered with 15 local education agencies (LEAs), reached 29 schools across 10 parishes, and provided tailored toolkits, monthly office hours and professional learning. "In total, 5,670 books were distributed through the family literacy engagement pilot to build at‑home libraries and encourage reading at home," she said, adding that the program delivered 29 customized toolkits and conducted 51 literacy events that served 2,440 adults.
Presenters summarized the pilot's needs‑assessment findings: about "68% — over two‑thirds — of families had 15 or less children's books and magazines in their home," the team reported, and post‑event surveys showed strong immediate satisfaction — "97% say they were satisfied with the books that they received and were able to implement them," according to the presentation. The speakers cautioned that books alone are not sufficient: organizers described books as a "byproduct" of engagement and emphasized coaching, multilingual supports and activities designed to help parents use materials at home.
Board members asked for more detail on the needs surveys and what drives parent attendance. Presenters said common gaps were access to books, multilingual materials and a need for clear distinctions between one‑off activities and deeper family engagement. They identified STEM‑focused and girl‑empowerment titles among frequently requested genres.
Separately in the same agenda block, the board recognized the 2025 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science winners and heard a progress update from Beth Melton, a 2025 Public Interest Fellow. Melton said she assembled 600 math kits (150 per grade band), had distributed 150 kits so far, and runs a math club of about 30 students; she invited board members to a math fair scheduled for May 8 at Bayou Woods Elementary in Slidell.
Presenters said they provided BESE members full access to the pilot's final report and external evaluation by the Blanco Center when available. The presenters and board emphasized sustaining gains by continuing check‑ins with participating schools after the pilot ended.
